Veronica Coleman, M.P.A.S., PA-C

Biography

Veronica L. Coleman, M.P.A.S., PA-C, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at UT Southwestern Medical Center and a board-certified Physician Assistant (PA) practicing in the Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology’s Pancreatic Cancer Prevention Clinic. As a 2010 graduate of the Louisiana State University Medical Center School of Health Sciences Department of Physician Assistant Studies, she launched her PA career at LSU’s Level I Trauma Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana, with the Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. She moved to Dallas, Texas, to join the Plastic Surgery Department at Parkland Hospital, and during this time, she was invited to contribute to the training and education of UTSW PA students in a variety of ways, including precepting, lecturing, and facilitating one of the Patient Evaluation course small groups.

Veronica has dedicated more than a decade to PA education and clinical practice at UTSW. She has a particular focus on mentorship, leadership development, and preparing future physician assistants to become compassionate, skilled, and collaborative healthcare professionals. Clinically, she has practiced in surgical specialties and, since 2015, has worked with UT Southwestern’s Multidisciplinary Pancreatic Cancer Prevention Program, where she provides care to patients at increased risk for pancreatic cancer and contributes to clinical research focused on pancreatic cancer prevention and the surveillance of incidental pancreatic findings. Veronica joined the multidisciplinary PC2 group at the inception of the surveillance program and has been dedicated to the program ever since.

She is a kind and caring professional who places her patients’ health and comfort at the forefront of healthcare while always aiming to provide evidence-based, quality care. As an educator and academic leader, she serves as Director of Admissions for the UT Southwestern PA Program and is deeply committed to student advocacy, holistic admissions, professional identity development, and mentorship. Her scholarly interests include pancreatic cancer prevention, leadership development in PA education, mindful wellness, mission-focused, equitable admissions, and professional identity formation.

Her dedication to PA education and student success was recognized by the Texas Academy of Physician Assistants/Associates (TAPA) in 2024, when she was awarded the PA Educator of the Year Award. Veronica is passionate about creating opportunities for students to discover their leadership potential, develop confidence as emerging clinicians, and recognize the responsibility that comes with serving others. Her work reflects a commitment to excellence in clinical practice, education, research, leadership, and community engagement.